Dual toe anchor footwear

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for a Dual Toe Anchor Footwear is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sole, a first strap and a second strap. The first strap includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the first strap is coupled to the sole at a position between a great toe and a second toe of a user&#39;s foot when the user&#39;s foot is positioned on the sole. The second strap also includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the second strap is coupled to the sole at a position between a second toe and a third toe of a user&#39;s foot when the user&#39;s foot is positioned on the sole. In certain embodiments, only the first strap and the second strap are positioned between the toes of the user&#39;s foot when the user&#39;s foot is positioned on the sole.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of, U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/384,363 entitled “DUAL ANCHOR SANDAL” and filed onSep. 7, 2016 for Diana Laird, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to footwear and more particularly relates to adual toe anchor footwear.

BACKGROUND

Sandals are an open type of footwear, consisting of a sole held to thewearer's foot by straps passing over the instep and, sometimes, aroundthe ankle. The modern flip-flop has a very simple design, consisting ofa thin rubber sole with two straps running in an upside down Y shapefrom the sides of the foot to the gap between the great toe and thesecond toe. Other types of footwear utilize this arrangement includinghigh heel type style footwear and wedge style footwear.

Due to improper alignment of the single anchor points in a conventionalflip-flop or other type of footwear, their simple design is responsiblefor a host injuries of the foot and lower leg. Walking for long periodsin flip-flops can be very tough on the feet, resulting in pain in theankles, legs, and feet.

The lack of support provided by conventional footwear is a major causeof injuries. Such footwear can also cause a person to overuse thetendons in their feet, resulting in tendonitis. The single off centeranchor is a common reason for injury, as this causes wearers to grip andscrunch their toes in an effort to keep the footwear in place, which canresult in tendonitis.

Additionally, a single toe anchor point of a conventional footwearallows the sole of the footwear to pivot about the single toe anchorpoint. If the sole pivots too much the heal of the user's foot may notbe supported by the sole when the user takes a step leaving the user'sheal unprotected from hazards on the ground.

SUMMARY

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need existsfor an apparatus, system, and method that improves on conventionalfootwear. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method wouldreduce rotation of the sole of the footwear and position the sole of thefootwear under the user's foot with each step.

The sandal of the present application has been developed in response tothe present state of the flip-flops, and in particular, in response tothe problems with footwear that have not yet been fully solved bycurrently available footwear. Accordingly, the present invention hasbeen developed to provide a dual toe anchor footwear that overcomes manyor all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.

The footwear, in one embodiment, includes a sole, a first strap and asecond strap. The first strap includes a first end and a second end. Thefirst end of the first strap is coupled to the sole at a positionbetween a great toe and a second toe of a user's foot when the user'sfoot is positioned on the sole. The second strap also includes a firstend and a second end. The first end of the second strap is coupled tothe sole at a position between a second toe and a third toe of a user'sfoot when the user's foot is positioned on the sole. In certainembodiments, only the first strap and the second strap are positionedbetween the toes of the user's foot when the user's foot is positionedon the sole.

In one embodiment, the second end of the first strap is coupled to thesole at a position proximate a first longitudinal side of the sole. Thefirst longitudinal side of the sole comprises a side of the soleproximate the great toe of the user's foot when the user's foot ispositioned on the sole. In such an embodiment, the first strap extendsacross at least a portion of a first metatarsal of the user's foot whenthe user's foot is positioned on the sole.

The second end of the first strap, in other embodiments, is coupled tothe sole at a position proximate a second longitudinal side of the sole.The second longitudinal side of the sole comprises a side of the soleproximate the fifth toe of the user's foot when the user's foot ispositioned on the sole. In such embodiments, the first strap extendsacross at least a portion of a third metatarsal, a fourth metatarsal,and a fifth metatarsal of the user's foot when the user's foot ispositioned on the sole.

In another embodiment, he second end of the second strap is coupled tothe sole at a position proximate a second longitudinal side of the sole.The second longitudinal side of the sole comprises a side of the soleproximate the fifth toe of the user's foot when the user's foot ispositioned on the sole. In such an embodiment, the second strap extendsacross at least a portion of a third metatarsal, a fourth metatarsal,and a fifth metatarsal of the user's foot when the user's foot ispositioned on the sole.

In yet another embodiment, the second end of the second strap is coupledto the sole at a position proximate a first longitudinal side of thesole. In this embodiment, the first longitudinal side of the solecomprises a side of the sole proximate the great toe of the user's footwhen the user's foot is positioned on the sole. In such an embodiment,the second strap extends across at least a portion of a first metatarsalof the user's foot when the user's foot is positioned on the sole.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, orsimilar language does not imply that all of the features and advantagesthat may be realized with the present invention should be or are in anysingle embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to thefeatures and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language,throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to thesame embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that theinvention may be practiced without one or more of the specific featuresor advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additionalfeatures and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments thatmay not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become morefully apparent from the following description and appended claims, ormay be learned by the practice of the invention as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readilyunderstood, a description of the subject matter will be rendered byreference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appendeddrawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typicalembodiments of the subject matter and are not therefore to be consideredto be limiting of its scope, the subject matter will be described andexplained with additional specificity and detail through the use of theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a top view depicting the bones of a human foot in accordancewith the present subject matter;

FIG. 1B is another top view depicting the bones of a human foot inaccordance with the present subject matter;

FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating one embodiment of a dual toe anchorsandal style footwear in accordance with the present subject matter;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view further illustrating the dual toe anchorsandal style footwear of FIG. 2 in accordance with the present subjectmatter;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of a dualtoe anchor sandal style footwear in accordance with the present subjectmatter;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of a dualtoe anchor sandal style footwear in accordance with the present subjectmatter;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a dual toeanchor high heel style footwear in accordance with the present subjectmatter; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a dual toeanchor wedge style footwear in accordance with the present subjectmatter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” andsimilar language throughout this specification may, but do notnecessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics ofthe invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details areprovided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention.One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that theinvention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details,or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In otherinstances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shownor described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

FIG. 1A is a top view depicting the bones of a human foot 100 includingthe talus (ankle bone) 142 and calcaneus (heal bone) 140 with toes 104,106 and 108 connected to the talus (ankle bone) 142 and toes 110 and 112connected to calcaneus (heal bone) 140 in accordance with the presentsubject matter. FIG. 1B is another top view depicting the bones of ahuman foot 100 and including the three main arches of the foot 100, themedial arch 134, the lateral arch 136, and the transverse arch 138 inaccordance with the present subject matter. The human foot 100 is astrong and complex mechanical structure containing 26 bones, 33 joints(20 of which are actively articulated), and more than a hundred muscles,tendons, and ligaments. The great toe 104 of the foot 100 is made up oftwo phalanges bones 102. All of the other toes consist of threephalanges bones 102. These toes are labeled the second toe 106, thethird toe 108, the fourth toe 110 and the fifth toe 112.

The arches of the foot 100, formed by the tarsal 132 and metatarsalbones 130, strengthened by ligaments and tendons, allow the foot 100 tosupport the weight of the body in the erect posture with the leastweight. The arches are categorized as longitudinal and transversearches.

The longitudinal arches of the foot 100 can be divided into a medialarch 134 and a lateral arch 136. The medial arch 134 is higher than thelateral longitudinal arch 136. The medial arch 134 includes the first120, second 122, and third 124 metatarsals 130 and extends from thefirst 120 metatarsal 130 of the foot 100 to the calcaneus 140 or healbone of the foot 100. The lateral arch 136 includes the fourth 126 andfifth 128 metatarsals 130 and extends from the fifth 128 metatarsals 130of the foot 100 to the calcaneus 140 or heal bone of the foot 100. Inaddition to the medial longitudinal arch 134 and the laterallongitudinal arch 136 the foot 100 includes a transverse arch 138. Thetransverse arch 138 runs across the foot from the first 120 metatarsal130 to the fifth 128 metatarsal 130.

The medial longitudinal arch 134, the lateral longitudinal arch 136, andthe transverse arch 138 create a space for soft tissues with elasticproperties which act as springs passing from the calcaneus 140 or healbone to the toes 104-110. Because of their elastic properties, thesesoft tissues can spread ground contact reaction forces over a longertime period, slowly stretching as the foot strikes the ground, and thusreducing the risk of musculoskeletal wear or damage. The soft tissuescan also store the energy of these forces, returning it at the next stepand thus reducing the cost of walking and, particularly, running, wherevertical forces are higher. Accordingly, footwear should be designed toengage each of the medial longitudinal arch 134, the laterallongitudinal arch 136, and the transverse arch 138.

Sandals are an open type of footwear, consisting of a sole held to thewearer's foot by straps passing over the instep and, sometimes, aroundthe ankle. The modern flip-flop has a very simple design, consisting ofa thin rubber sole with two straps running in an upside-down Y shapefrom the sides of the foot to the gap 105 between the great toe 104 andthe second toe 106. While the present discussion is directed towardssandal style footwear, one of skill in the art will recognize that thesubject matter of the present disclosure is equally applicable to othertypes of footwear.

Because the strap is connected to the sole at the gap 105 between theuser's great toe 104 and second toe 106, a conventional flip-flop is notconducive to engaging each of the medial longitudinal arch 134, thelateral longitudinal arch 136, and the transverse arch 138. Instead,individuals wearing conventional flip-flops tend to over engage themedial longitudinal arch 134 and under engage the lateral longitudinalarch 136 and the transverse arch 138. Specifically, wearing flip-flopshas been linked to excessive dorsiflexion of the great toe 104 duringthe gait due to the individuals attempt to keep the flip-flop engaged inthe gap 105 between the user's great toe 104 and second toe 106. Theemphasis on an exaggerated dorsiflexion of the great toe 104 causes theindividual to over engage the medial longitudinal arch 134 and underengage the lateral longitudinal arc 136.

A central longitudinal axis 116 of the foot 100 extends from the talus142 or ankle bone of the foot 100 and through the second toe 106. Thecentral longitudinal axis 116 divides the foot 100 into twoapproximately equal sides. Engaging the foot 100 on both sides of thesecond toe 106 aligns the control points for the sandal on both sides ofthe central longitudinal axis 116 of the foot 100 and activates thethird 124, fourth 126 and fifth 128 metatarsal 130. This allows the userto engage the medial longitudinal arch 134, the lateral longitudinalarch 136, and the transverse arch 138 creating better ground contact forthe entire foot 100 for increased feedback when wearing the sandal.

Additionally, researchers in exercise physiology suggest that the mostefficient way to transfer energy from the human body is to do so byconcentrating on transferring such energy through the “fifth line” of alimb. The fifth line is the most efficient line of energy for movement.The fifth line of a limb is a line that runs straight through thecentral longitudinal axis of a limb such as the leg or a centrallongitudinal axis of the body. Directing energy along the fifth line isthought to activate the deepest layer of muscle in the human limbleading to optimal energy transfer.

The energy directed through the fifth line exits the body through apower or exit point 114 of the foot 100 out through the top of the exitpoint 114 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. By concentrating on directingenergy through the exit point 114 of the foot 100 an individual extendshis or her body more thoroughly than he or she would otherwise therebyaccessing optimal energy transfer. As can be seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B,the central longitudinal axis 116 of the foot 100 that passes throughthe exit point 114 is aligned with the second metatarsal 122 of the foot100 which is centered in the talus 142 or ankle bone of the foot 100.Accordingly, a sandal that positions the anchor points on both sides ofthe second toe 106 takes advantage of the increased energeticcharacteristics associated with directing energy through the fifth lineand through the exit point 114 of the foot 100.

Due to improper alignment of the single anchor points in a conventionalflip-flop, their simple design is responsible for a host of otherinjuries of the foot and lower leg. Walking for long periods inflip-flops can be very tough on the feet, resulting in pain in theankles, legs, and feet.

The lack of support provided by flip-flop sandals is a major cause ofinjuries. Flip-flops can also cause a person to overuse the tendons intheir feet, resulting in tendonitis. The single off center anchor isalso a common reason for injury, as this causes wearers to grip andscrunch their toes in an effort to keep the flip-flop in place, whichcan result in tendonitis.

Additionally, a single toe anchor point of a conventional flip-flopallows the sole of the flip-flop to pivot about the single toe anchorpoint. If the sole pivots too much the heal of the user's foot may notbe supported by the sole when the user takes a step leaving the user'sheal unprotected from hazards on the ground.

The sandal of the present application has been developed in response tothe present state of the flip-flops, and in particular, in response tothe problems with sandals that have not yet been fully solved bycurrently available flip-flops. Accordingly, the present invention hasbeen developed to provide a dual anchor sandal that overcomes many orall of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.

FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating one embodiment of a dual toe anchorsandal 200 in accordance with the present subject matter. This dual toeanchor sandal 200 is more structurally balanced with anchor points beingpositioned on both sides of the second metatarsal 122, i.e., on eitherside of the central longitudinal axis 116 or fifth line of the foot 100.The dual feedback of the dual toe anchor sandal 200 encourages andengages more connections within the foot 100 which leads to morecongruency, proprioception and release and encourages a threedimensional expansion and spreading of the foot 100 that is associatedwith grounding.

The dual toe anchor sandal 200 creates better feedback and gives abroader sense of floor foot surface contact, encompassing the entirespectrum of the ball of foot 100 including the outer border and not justthe inner border of the foot 100. The dual toe anchor sandal 200encourages more support and activates more engagement of the entire foot100, including all three arches 134, 136, 138 and all five metatarsals130, allowing for a more complete, integrated roll through the entirefoot 100. Beginning with the initial “heal strike” i.e., the healtouching ground, and rolling through all three arches 134, 136, 138, allfive metatarsals 130, the entire ball of foot 100, all five phalanges102 (toe bones), and ending with “toe off” which initiates the energytransfer of the next step. This creates more congruency and integrityand influences an overall healthier gait.

The dual toe anchor sandal 200, in certain embodiments, includes a sole202, a first strap 204, and a second strap 206. In one embodiment, thesole 202 of the sandal 200 is made from a rubber material and is shapedto completely cover the sole of a user's foot 100 when the sandal 200 isworn by the user. In other embodiments, the sole 202 of the sandal 200is made of alternative materials such as leather, wood, tatami, rope,etc. One of skill in the art will recognize that the sole 202 of thesandal 200 may be made of any material suitable to protect the sole ofthe user's foot 100. Note that in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2,the toes 104-112 of the foot 100 are depicted as being covered in fleshrather than in skeletal form as depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Theskeletal depiction of the toes 104-112 in FIGS. 1A and 1B makes thedepiction of the central longitudinal axis 116 more readilyidentifiable.

A first end 210 of the first strap 204 is coupled to the sole 202 of thesandal 200 at a position 212 between the great toe 104 and the secondtoe 106 when the user's foot 100 is positioned on the sole 202 of thesandal 200. A second end 214 of the first strap 204 is coupled to thesole 202 of the sandal 200 at a position 216 proximate a firstlongitudinal side 218 of the sole 202. The first longitudinal side 218of the sole 202 is the side of the sole 202 proximate the great toe 104of the user's foot 100 when the user's foot 100 is positioned on thesole 202. In this position, the first strap 204 extends across at leasta portion of the first metatarsal 120 (See, FIGS. 1A and 1B) to supportthe sole 202 on, and couple it to, the great toe 104 side of the foot100.

The second strap 206 also includes a first end 220 and a second end 222.The first end 220 of the second strap 206 is coupled to the sole 202 ata position 224 between the second toe 106 and the third toe 108 of theuser's foot 100 when the user's foot 100 is positioned on the sole 202of the sandal 200. The second end 222 of the second strap 206 is coupledto the sole 202 at a position 226 proximate a second longitudinal side228 of the sole 202. The second longitudinal side 228 of the sole 202 isthe side of the sole 202 adjacent the fifth toe 112 of the user's foot100 when the user's foot 100 is positioned on the sole 202. In thisposition, the second strap 206 extends across at least a portion of athird metatarsal 124, a fourth metatarsal 126, and a fifth metatarsal128 of the user's foot 100 when the user's foot 100 is positioned on thesole 202.

In certain embodiments, the sandal 200 includes only two anchor points,the first anchor point being between the great toe 104 and the secondtoe 106, the second anchor point positioned between the second toe 106and the third toe 108 while the fourth toe 110 and fifth toe 112 remainfree from a strap positioned between them. Because the first strap 204extends in a direction towards the first longitudinal side 218 and thesecond strap 206 extends in the direction towards the secondlongitudinal side 228, the second toe 106 and the second metatarsal 122are unencumbered by straps. The second toe 106 and the second metatarsal122 are the bones are aligned with the central longitudinal axis 116 ofthe foot 100 that passes through the exit point 114.

By leaving the second toe 106 and the second metatarsal 122 unencumberedby straps, the sole 202 of the can pivot about the central longitudinalaxis 116 of the foot 100. Because the sandal 200 is anchored at position212 between the great toe 104 and the second toe 106 by the first strap204 and is also anchored at position 224 between the second toe 106 andthe third toe 108, rotation of the sandal 200 in the direction indicatedby arrow 230 is inhibited making it more likely that the heal 232 of theuser's foot 100 will stay positioned on the sole 202 of the sandal.

In certain embodiments, the first strap 204 and the second strap 206 aremade of a material such as natural or synthetic rubber, nylon webbing,hemp, or any other pliable material. While the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2 depicts the first strap 204 and the second strap 206 as beingrelatively narrow, one of skill in the art will recognize that in otherembodiments, the width of the first strap 204 and the second strap 206may be varied to account for various stylistic preferences.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view further illustrating the dual toe anchorsandal 200 of FIG. 2 in accordance with the present subject matter. Asdiscussed above, the sandal 200 includes the sole 202, the first strap204, and the second strap 206.

The first end 210 of the first strap 204 is coupled to the sole 202 ofthe sandal 200 at a position 212 between the great toe 104 and thesecond toe 106 when the user's foot 100 is positioned on the sole 202 ofthe sandal 200. The second end 214 of the first strap 204 is coupled tothe sole 202 of the sandal 200 at a position 216 proximate the firstlongitudinal side 218 of the sole 202.

The first end 220 of the second strap 206 is coupled to the sole 202 ata position 224 between the second toe 106 and the third toe 108 of theuser's foot 100 when the user's foot 100 is positioned on the sole 202of the sandal 200. The second end 222 of the second strap 206 is coupledto the sole 202 at a position 226 proximate a second longitudinal side228 of the sole 202.

The first strap 204 forms a first metatarsal receiving space 302 sizedand shaped to receive the first metatarsal 120 of the user's foot 100.The second strap 206 forms a receiving space 304 sized and shaped toreceive the third metatarsal 124, the fourth metatarsal 126 and thefifth metatarsal 128 of the user's foot 100. The first end 210 of thefirst strap 204 is coupled to the soul 202 at a position 212 that is asufficient distance from the position 224 where the first end 220 of thesecond strap 206 is coupled to the sole 202 to form a gap 306. The gap306 is sized to receive the second toe 106 between the first end 212 ofthe first strap 204 and the first end 220 of the second strap 206.

In certain embodiments, the first end 210 of the first strap 204 and thefirst end 220 of the second strap 206 include toe engaging portions 308and 310 respectively. In one embodiment, the toe engaging portions 308and 310 of the first and second straps 204 and 206 extend substantiallyperpendicularly from the sole 202 to a position approximately the heightof the great toe 104 to avoid irritation between the first and secondstraps 204 and 206 and the great toe 104, the second toe 106 and thethird toe 108. One of skill in the art will recognize that the great toe104 typically has a depth which is greater than the depth of the thirdtoe 108. Therefore, in other embodiments, the toe engaging portion 308of the first strap 204 may be configured to extend perpendicularly fromthe sole 202 to a position approximately the height of the great toe 104while the toe engaging portion 310 of the second strap 206 is configuredto extend perpendicularly from the sole 202 to a position approximatelythe height of the third toe 108.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of a dualtoe anchor sandal 400 in accordance with the present subject matter. Thesandal 400, in certain embodiments, includes a sole 202, a first strap404, and a second strap 406.

The sole 202 is substantially similar to the sole 202 of the sandal 200discussed above with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. Accordingly, inexemplary embodiments, the sole 202 of the sandal 400 is made from arubber material and is shaped to completely cover the sole of a user'sfoot 100 when the sandal 400 is worn by the user. In other embodiments,the sole 202 of the sandal 400 is made of alternative materials such asleather, wood, tatami, rope, etc. One of skill in the art will recognizethat the sole 202 of the sandal 400 may be made of any material suitableto protect the sole of the user's foot 100.

The sandal 400 of FIG. 4 differs from the sandal 200 of FIGS. 2 and 3 inthat the first strap 404 crosses the second strap 406. That is, incertain embodiments, the first end 408 of the first strap 404 is coupledto the sole 202 in approximately the same position as the first end 210of the first strap 204 of the sandal 200 of FIGS. 2 and 3 (i.e., betweenthe great toe 104 and the second toe 106). However, instead of extendingto the first longitudinal side 218 of the sole 202, the second end 410extends to the second longitudinal side 228 of the sole 202. Thus, thefirst strap 404 crosses over the second toe 106, the third toe 108, thefourth toe 110 and the fifth toe 112. Similarly, the first end 412 ofthe second strap 406 is coupled to the sole 202 in approximately thesame position as the first end 220 of the second strap 206 of the sandal200 of FIGS. 2 and 3 (i.e., between the second toe 106 and the third toe108). The second end 414 of the second strap 406 extends to the firstlongitudinal side 218 of the sole 202. Accordingly, the second strapcrosses over the second toe 106 and the great toe 104.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of a dualtoe anchor sandal 500 in accordance with the present subject matter. Thesandal 500, in certain embodiments, includes a sole 202, a first strap204, a second strap 206, and a third strap 502.

The sole 202, the first strap 204, and the second strap 206 aresubstantially similar to the sole 202, the first strap 204, and thesecond strap 206 of sandal 200 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 2and 3. Accordingly, in exemplary embodiments, the sole 202 of the sandal500 is made from varied material and is shaped to completely cover thesole of a user's foot 100 when the sandal 500 is worn by the user. Inother embodiments, the sole 202 of the sandal 500 is made of alternativematerials such as leather, wood, tatami, rope, etc. One of skill in theart will recognize that the sole 202 of the sandal 500 may be made ofany material suitable to protect the sole of the user's foot 100.

The first end 210 of the first strap 204 is coupled to the sole 202 ofthe sandal 500 at a position 212 between the great toe 104 and thesecond toe 106 when the user's foot 100 is positioned on the sole 202 ofthe sandal 500. The second end 214 of the first strap 204 is coupled tothe sole 202 of the sandal 500 at a position 216 proximate the firstlongitudinal side 218 of the sole 202.

The first end 220 of the second strap 206 is coupled to the sole 202 ata position 224 between the second toe 106 and the third toe 108 of theuser's foot 100 when the user's foot 100 is positioned on the sole 202of the sandal 500. The second end 222 of the second strap 206 is coupledto the sole 202 at a position 226 proximate a second longitudinal side228 of the sole 202.

The third strap 502 extends across the sole 202 of the sandal 500 fromthe first longitudinal side 218 of the sole 202 to the secondlongitudinal side 228 of the sole 202. In an exemplary embodiment, thethird strap 502 is positioned under the first strap 204 and the secondstrap 206. In other embodiments, the third strap 502 is positioned overthe first strap 204 and the second strap 206. In either embodiment, thethird strap 502 extends across each of the user's toes 104-112 from thegreat toe 104 to the fifth toe 112. In such an embodiment, the thirdstrap 502 may provide additional lateral support to the user's foot 100to maintain the user's foot 100 positioned on the sole of the sandal500.

In certain embodiments, the third strap 502 is approximately the samewidth as the first strap 204 and the second strap 206. In an exemplaryembodiment, the third strap 502 is substantially wider than the firststrap 204 and the second strap 206. A wider third strap 502 may provideadditional lateral support to the user's foot 100 to maintain the user'sfoot 100 in a proper position on the sole 202 of the sandal 500.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a perspective viewillustrating one embodiment of a dual toe anchor high heel stylefootwear 600 in accordance with the present subject matter. The highheel style footwear 600, in certain embodiments, includes a sole 602, afirst strap 204, and a second strap 206.

The first strap 204 and the second strap 206 are substantially similarto the first strap 204 and the second strap 206 of the dual toe anchorsandal 200 of FIGS. 2 and 3 discussed above. Accordingly, a first end210 of the first strap 204 is coupled to the sole 602 of the footwear600 at a position 612 between the great toe 104 and the second toe 106when the user's foot 100 is positioned on the sole 602 of the footwear600. The second end 214 of the first strap 204 is coupled to the sole602 of the footwear 600 at a position 616 proximate a first longitudinalside 618 of the sole 602.

The first end 220 of the second strap 206 is coupled to the sole 602 ata position 624 between the second toe 106 and the third toe 108 of theuser's foot 100 when the user's foot 100 is positioned on the sole 602of the footwear 600. The second end 222 of the second strap 206 iscoupled to the sole 602 at a position 626 proximate a secondlongitudinal side 628 of the sole 602.

The first strap 204 forms a first metatarsal receiving space 630 sizedand shaped to receive the first metatarsal 120 of the user's foot 100.The second strap 206 forms a receiving space 632 sized and shaped toreceive the third metatarsal 124, the fourth metatarsal 126 and thefifth metatarsal 128 of the user's foot 100. The first end 210 of thefirst strap 204 is coupled to the soul 202 at a position 612 that is asufficient distance from the position 624 where the first end 220 of thesecond strap 206 is coupled to the sole 602 to form a gap 634. The gap634 is sized to receive the second toe 106 between the first end 212 ofthe first strap 204 and the first end 220 of the second strap 206.

In certain embodiments, the first end 210 of the first strap 204 and thefirst end 220 of the second strap 206 include toe engaging portions 308and 310 respectively. In one embodiment, the toe engaging portions 308and 310 of the first and second straps 204 and 206 extend substantiallyperpendicularly from the sole 602 to a position sufficient to avoidirritation between the first and second straps 204 and 206 and the toes104-112. One of skill in the art will recognize that the great toe 104typically has a depth which is greater than the depth of the third toe108. Therefore, in other embodiments, the toe engaging portion 308 ofthe first strap 204 may be configured to extend perpendicularly from thesole 602 to a position approximately the height of the great toe 104while the toe engaging portion 310 of the second strap 206 is configuredto extend perpendicularly from the sole 602 to a position approximatelythe height of the third toe 108.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the footwear 600 is a high heelstyle footwear 600 having a heel 640 configured to elevate the calcaneus(heal bone) 140 with respect to the toes 104-112. Such a configurationmay cause the user's foot to naturally slide forward on the footwear 600in the direction indicated by arrow 642. The dual toe anchor of thepresent subject matter is particularly suited to arrest any forwardsliding given the two anchor points.

In exemplary embodiments, the sole 602 of the footwear 600 is made fromvaried material and is shaped to completely support the sole of a user'sfoot 100 when the footwear 600 is worn by the user. In otherembodiments, the sole 602 of the footwear 600 is made of alternativematerials such as leather, wood, tatami, rope, etc. One of skill in theart will recognize that the sole 602 of the footwear 600 may be made ofany material suitable to support the sole of the user's foot 100.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a perspective viewillustrating one embodiment of a dual toe anchor wedge style footwear700 in accordance with the present subject matter. The wedge stylefootwear 700, in certain embodiments, includes a sole 702, a first strap204, and a second strap 206.

The first strap 204 and the second strap 206 are substantially similarto the first strap 204 and the second strap 206 of the dual toe anchorsandal 200 and the high heel style footwear 600 of FIGS. 2, 3 and 6discussed above. Accordingly, a first end 210 of the first strap 204 iscoupled to the sole 702 of the footwear 700 at a position 712 betweenthe great toe 104 and the second toe 106 when the user's foot 100 ispositioned on the sole 702 of the footwear 700. The second end 214 ofthe first strap 204 is coupled to the sole 702 of the footwear 700 at aposition 716 proximate a first longitudinal side 718 of the sole 702.

The first end 220 of the second strap 206 is coupled to the sole 702 ata position 724 between the second toe 106 and the third toe 108 of theuser's foot 100 when the user's foot 100 is positioned on the sole 702of the footwear 700. The second end 222 of the second strap 206 iscoupled to the sole 702 at a position 726 proximate a secondlongitudinal side 728 of the sole 702.

The first strap 204 forms a first metatarsal receiving space 730 sizedand shaped to receive the first metatarsal 120 of the user's foot 100.The second strap 206 forms a receiving space 732 sized and shaped toreceive the third metatarsal 124, the fourth metatarsal 126 and thefifth metatarsal 128 of the user's foot 100. The first end 210 of thefirst strap 204 is coupled to the soul 202 at a position 712 that is asufficient distance from the position 724 where the first end 220 of thesecond strap 206 is coupled to the sole 702 to form a gap 734. The gap734 is sized to receive the second toe 106 between the first end 212 ofthe first strap 204 and the first end 220 of the second strap 206.

In certain embodiments, the first end 210 of the first strap 204 and thefirst end 220 of the second strap 206 include toe engaging portions 308and 310 respectively. In one embodiment, the toe engaging portions 308and 310 of the first and second straps 204 and 206 extend substantiallyperpendicularly from the sole 702 to a position sufficient to avoidirritation between the first and second straps 204 and 206 and the toes104-112. One of skill in the art will recognize that the great toe 104typically has a depth which is greater than the depth of the third toe108. Therefore, in other embodiments, the toe engaging portion 308 ofthe first strap 204 may be configured to extend perpendicularly from thesole 702 to a position approximately the height of the great toe 104while the toe engaging portion 310 of the second strap 206 is configuredto extend perpendicularly from the sole 702 to a position approximatelythe height of the third toe 108.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the footwear 700 is a wedgestyle footwear 700 having a heel 740 configured to elevate the calcaneus(heal bone) 140 with respect to the toes 104-112. One of skill in theart will recognize that a wedge style footwear 700 includes a wedge 750that is positioned under the sole of the user to elevate the calcaneus(heal bone) 140 of the user. Unlike the high heel embodiment however,the wedge style footwear 700 includes material throughout the sole 702.As with the high heel embodiment of the current subject matter, such aconfiguration may cause the user's foot to naturally slide forward onthe footwear 700 in the direction indicated by arrow 742. The dual toeanchor of the present subject matter is particularly suited to arrestany forward sliding given the two anchor points.

In exemplary embodiments, the sole 702 of the footwear 700 is made fromvaried material and is shaped to completely support the sole of a user'sfoot 100 when the footwear 700 is worn by the user. In otherembodiments, the sole 702 of the footwear 700 is made of alternativematerials such as leather, cork, wood, tatami, rope, etc. One of skillin the art will recognize that the sole 702 of the footwear 700 may bemade of any material suitable to support the sole of the user's foot100.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dual toe anchor footwear comprising: a sole; afirst strap having a first end and a second end, the first end of thefirst strap coupled to the sole at a position between a great toe and asecond toe of a user's foot when the user's foot is positioned on thesole; a second strap having a first end and a second end, the first endof the second strap coupled to the sole at a position between a secondtoe and a third toe of a user's foot when the user's foot is positionedon the sole; and wherein only the first strap and the second strap arepositioned between the toes of the user's foot.
 2. The footwear of claim1, wherein the second end of the first strap is coupled to the sole at aposition proximate a first longitudinal side of the sole.
 3. Thefootwear of claim 2, wherein the first longitudinal side of the solecomprises a side of the sole proximate the great toe of the user's footwhen the user's foot is positioned on the sole.
 4. The footwear of claim3, wherein the first strap extends across at least a portion of a firstmetatarsal of the user's foot when the user's foot is positioned on thesole.
 5. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the second end of the firststrap is coupled to the sole at a position proximate a secondlongitudinal side of the sole.
 6. The footwear of claim 5, wherein thesecond longitudinal side of the sole comprises a side of the soleproximate the fifth toe of the user's foot when the user's foot ispositioned on the sole.
 7. The footwear of claim 6, wherein the firststrap extends across at least a portion of a third metatarsal, a fourthmetatarsal, and a fifth metatarsal of the user's foot when the user'sfoot is positioned on the sole.
 8. The footwear of claim 1, wherein thesecond end of the second strap is coupled to the sole at a positionproximate a second longitudinal side of the sole.
 9. The footwear ofclaim 8, wherein the second longitudinal side of the sole comprises aside of the sole proximate the fifth toe of the user's foot when theuser's foot is positioned on the sole.
 10. The footwear of claim 9,wherein the second strap extends across at least a portion of a thirdmetatarsal, a fourth metatarsal, and a fifth metatarsal of the user'sfoot when the user's foot is positioned on the sole.
 11. The footwear ofclaim 1, wherein the second end of the second strap is coupled to thesole at a position proximate a first longitudinal side of the sole. 12.The footwear of claim 11, wherein the first longitudinal side of thesole comprises a side of the sole proximate the great toe of the user'sfoot when the user's foot is positioned on the sole.
 13. The footwear ofclaim 12, wherein the second strap extends across at least a portion ofa first metatarsal of the user's foot when the user's foot is positionedon the sole.
 14. A dual toe anchor footwear comprising: a sole; a firststrap having a first end and a second end, the first end of the firststrap coupled to the sole at a position between a great toe and a secondtoe of a user's foot when the user's foot is positioned on the sole,wherein the second end of the first strap is coupled to the sole at aposition proximate a first longitudinal side of the sole; a second straphaving a first end and a second end, the first end of the second strapcoupled to the sole at a position between a second toe and a third toeof a user's foot when the user's foot is positioned on the sole, whereinthe second end of the second strap is coupled to the sole at a positionproximate a second longitudinal side of the sole; and wherein only thefirst strap and the second strap are positioned between the toes of theuser's foot.
 15. The footwear of claim 14, wherein the firstlongitudinal side of the sole comprises a side of the sole proximate thegreat toe of the user's foot when the user's foot is positioned on thesole.
 16. The footwear of claim 15, wherein the first strap extendsacross at least a portion of a first metatarsal of the user's foot whenthe user's foot is positioned on the sole.
 17. The footwear of claim 14,wherein the second end of the second strap is coupled to the sole at aposition proximate a second longitudinal side of the sole.
 18. Thefootwear of claim 17, wherein the second longitudinal side of the solecomprises a side of the sole proximate the fifth toe of the user's footwhen the user's foot is positioned on the sole.
 19. The sandal of claim18, wherein the second strap extends across at least a portion of athird metatarsal, a fourth metatarsal, and a fifth metatarsal of theuser's foot when the user's foot is positioned on the sole.
 20. A dualtoe anchor footwear comprising: a sole; a first strap having a first endand a second end, the first end of the first strap coupled to the soleat a position between a great toe and a second toe of a user's foot whenthe user's foot is positioned on the sole, wherein the second end of thefirst strap is coupled to the sole at a position proximate a firstlongitudinal side of the sole and wherein the first strap extends acrossat least a portion of a first metatarsal of the user's foot when theuser's foot is positioned on the sole; a second strap having a first endand a second end, the first end of the second strap coupled to the soleat a position between a second toe and a third toe of a user's foot whenthe user's foot is positioned on the sole, wherein the second end of thesecond strap is coupled to the sole at a position proximate a secondlongitudinal side of the sole, and wherein the second strap extendsacross at least a portion of a third metatarsal, a fourth metatarsal,and a fifth metatarsal of the user's foot when the user's foot ispositioned on the sole; and wherein only the first strap and the secondstrap are positioned between the toes of the user's foot.